Is 'import' stressed differently as a noun and verb?

In British English, stress is usually on the first syllable for both. In careful American English, the noun is 'IM-port' and the verb is 'im-PORT', but this distinction is fading.

Can 'import' be used for non-physical things?

Yes, commonly in computing ('import a file') and metaphorically ('import foreign ideas', 'the import of his message').

What is the opposite of 'import'?

The direct opposite is 'export'. For data, you might 'export' a file. For ideas, you might 'export' culture.

What's a common mistake learners make with 'import'?

Using it as a ditransitive verb (*'He imported me the data.'), which is incorrect. The correct pattern is 'He imported the data for me.'

import

UK/ˈɪmpɔːt/ (noun and verb)US/ˈɪmpɔːrt/ (noun), /ɪmˈpɔːrt/ (verb)

Formal in business/economic contexts; neutral in computing contexts; somewhat formal in general use.

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

To bring (goods or services) into a country from abroad for commercial purposes.

To bring in, introduce, or carry in from an outside source; also, the implied meaning or significance of something.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The noun and verb forms are pronounced identically. In computing, 'import' refers to bringing data into a program from another source. In logic/literature, 'import' can mean 'significance' or 'implication'.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The stress pattern differs: UK English typically stresses the first syllable for both noun and verb ('IM-port'). US English typically stresses the first syllable for the noun ('IM-port') and the second syllable for the verb ('im-PORT'). This distinction is often less rigid in US speech.

Connotations

Both share core economic connotations. In UK English, 'import' can sound more specifically commercial; in US English, the verb form can sound slightly more dynamic or action-oriented.

Frequency

Slightly higher frequency in US English due to larger trade discourse, but extremely common in both varieties.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

import dutiesimport tariffsimport licenseimport dataheavily import

medium

foreign importmain importimport restrictionsimport from Chinaimport and export

weak

direct importcheap importimport businessimport banimport goods

Grammar

Valency Patterns

import something (from somewhere)import something into somewheresomething is imported

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

procure from overseas

Neutral

bring inintroducesource from abroadship in

Weak

buy inacquireobtain

Vocabulary

Antonyms

exportsend outship abroad

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“The full import of his words only sank in later.”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

The company decided to import raw materials to reduce production costs.

Academic

The study examines the cultural import of American films in the post-war era.

Everyday

I need to import the photos from my camera to my laptop.

Technical

Use the 'File' menu to import the CSV dataset into the application.

Examples

By Part of Speech

noun

British English

The main import from that region is natural gas.
She didn't grasp the full import of the legal document.

American English

Oil is a critical import for the nation.
The philosophical import of his statement was profound.

verb

British English

The UK imports a large amount of fruit from Spain.
You must first import the contacts list into the software.

American English

The U.S. imports most of its consumer electronics from Asia.
Can you import that spreadsheet into the new program?

Examples

By CEFR Level

We import bananas from South America.
Coffee is a popular import.

The country needs to import more medicine.
What are your main imports?

Rising import tariffs are affecting retail prices.
The software allows you to import images from various formats.

The government imposed quotas to curb the import of luxury vehicles.
The cultural import of the Renaissance extended far beyond Italy.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a PORT where ships bring goods IN. IM (in) + PORT = bring IN to the PORT.

Conceptual Metaphor

KNOWLEDGE/IDEAS ARE COMMODITIES ('import foreign ideas'), MOVING DATA IS TRANSPORT ('import the file').

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not confuse with 'важный' (important). 'Importance' is 'важность'. 'Import' is 'импорт' (n), 'импортировать' (v).
Avoid literal translation of 'import of meaning' – use 'significance' or 'implication' instead.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: 'He imported me the file.' Correct: 'He imported the file for me.'
Incorrect stress in US English: saying 'IM-port' for the verb in formal contexts.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The new regulations will make it more expensive to textiles from overseas.

Multiple Choice

In American English, which pronunciation is typically correct for the VERB 'import'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: In British English, stress is usually on the first syllable for both. In careful American English, the noun is 'IM-port' and the verb is 'im-PORT', but this distinction is fading.
: Yes, commonly in computing ('import a file') and metaphorically ('import foreign ideas', 'the import of his message').
: The direct opposite is 'export'. For data, you might 'export' a file. For ideas, you might 'export' culture.
: Using it as a ditransitive verb (*'He imported me the data.'), which is incorrect. The correct pattern is 'He imported the data for me.'

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Business Vocabulary

B1 · 50 words · Fundamental language of commerce and trade.

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